Markham Street Westbound in Little Rock

Let’s take a drive westbound across one of Little Rock’s most diverse and evolving corridors—Markham Street. Spanning roughly 8 miles from the heart of downtown to the far reaches of West Little Rock, this route offers a front-row seat to the city’s architectural transitions, historical neighborhoods, and commercial hubs. We kick off our drive on 3rd Street at Victory Street, right on the edge of downtown, surrounded by government buildings, historic structures, and the Arkansas River just a few blocks to the north. As we curve gently around the Arkansas School for the Deaf, the road becomes Markham Street, signaling the start of our climb through the city’s layered western neighborhoods.

The Capitol View and Stifft Station neighborhoods rise along the hills west of downtown, where century-old homes blend with eclectic coffee shops and local diners. Passing Kavanaugh Boulevard, we enter the Hillcrest area—an early 20th-century streetcar suburb known for its walkable blocks, boutique shops, and rich architectural character. Not far beyond lies the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), a major healthcare and research institution that dominates the landscape for several blocks. Markham Street skirts the northern edge of its sprawling campus, where students, physicians, and researchers contribute to the lively energy of Midtown.

Once we cross University Avenue, the urban vibe shifts. We’re officially in Midtown now, with a more modern suburban layout taking over. Large retail centers and office complexes dominate the stretch past Rodney Parham Road, and the four-lane thoroughfare becomes noticeably busier as it approaches the Interstate 430 overpass. This marks our arrival in West Little Rock, a district that has grown rapidly in the past few decades with commercial developments, new subdivisions, and expanded road networks. The segment between I-430 and Chenal Parkway features big-box stores, restaurants, and medical offices. It’s busy, functional, and very much the retail heart of this part of town.

After crossing Chenal Parkway, the mood changes again. Strip malls give way to tree-lined medians and quieter side streets as Markham Street begins to feel more residential. This final stretch gently winds southwest before it shifts southward and becomes Kirby Road—a quieter suburban street marking the end of our journey. It’s a fitting conclusion to a route that reflects Little Rock’s growth and changing character from downtown to the western frontier.